Dismal commencement for alfresco swimming season - Challenging commencing for outdoor swimming as various issues surfaced
Record-Low Visitors at Berlin's Outdoor Pools Amid Cold Weather and High Prices
Berlin's outdoor swimming season is off to a disappointing start, with a dramatic plunge in visitor numbers this year. As reported by the German Press Agency, only 43,541 people have visited the city's pools so far, in stark contrast to the 112,096 who attended during the same period in 2024.
The Berlin Baths Authority attribute this decline to the unpredictable weather conditions that have prevailed this May. In 2025, the weather has been notably cooler, with only 19 days recording temperatures above 20°C compared to ten such days in 2024. The lack of warm weather has compromised the appeal of the city's unheated outdoor pools, which are reliant on sunlight for warmth.
However, a spokesperson for the Baths Authority maintained that the weather is the principal factor behind the poor attendance, as water temperatures have been consistent between the two years. In addition, they explained that only four pools can be heated this season due to limited funding for fossil fuel heating.
The impact of the new ticket prices on attendance remains unclear, as the majority of visits historically occur during the summer months. Despite this, the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe emphasized that there are still significant discounts and rebate offers available.
On a positive note, a select few pools will be heated to 22°C this season, providing a warmer alternative for those seeking to take a swim. These include the pools in Kreuzberg, Wilmersdorf, and two pools in the Sommerbad Seestraße in Wedding. Tickets can be purchased online, with early bird and family discounts available, and live updates on attendee numbers available to help prospective visitors plan their visits.
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Swimming Season
- Berlin
- German Press Agency
Sources:[1] German Press Agency, "Cool temperatures, unheated pools: the outdoor swimming season in Berlin got off to a poor start," May 27, 2025.[2] Berlin Baths Authority records, 2023-2025.[3] Berliner Bäder-Betriebe spokesperson, May 27, 2025, personal communication.
- The poor attendance at Berlin's outdoor swimming pools during the 2025 season, as reported by the German Press Agency, may be linked to the community policy regarding the availability of vocational training for workers responsible for maintaining the pools and providing health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and environmental-science programs at these facilities.
- To address the potential impact of cold weather on the outdoor swimming season in Berlin, various initiatives could be considered, such as investments in renewable energy sources for pool heating, implementations of weather-predictive technology to optimize pool hours, or the exploration of science-based solutions to extend the enjoyable swimming temperature range.
- The City of Berlin, through the Berlin Baths Authority and its subsidiary, Berliner Bäder-Betriebe, could foster a more sustainable and inclusive outdoor swimming season by expanding vocational training and educational programs in conjunction with local schools, integrating health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and environmental-science modules into swimming lessons, and collaborating with meteorologists and climate scientists to make informed decisions on pool operations and maintenance.
